STATISTICS In addition to being known for its beautiful enviroments, exotic wildlife, and diverse cultures, Africa has the dubious distinction of having some of the poorest nations, largest populations, and harshest living conditions in the world.
Despite its trove of natural resources, the yearly incomes of Africans are some of the lowest in the world. Nearly half of its people live on less than a dollar a day. Conflicts, harsh environments, and corrupt governments have devasted economics, forcing countries to borrow for goods and fuel.
Ironically, better health care in recent decades has caused further problems in Africa. The population of the continent is approximately 800 million, and these increasing numbers have endangered the environment and strained already weakened governments.
Africa disproportionately bears the burden of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Although only 11% of the world's population lives in Africa, roughly 67% of those living with HIV/AIDS are in Africa. (1,2) In Africa, there were 22.4 million people living with HIV and 1.9 million new HIV infections in 2008. An estimated 14 million children in Africa have been orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS.
In addition to being known for its beautiful enviroments, exotic wildlife, and diverse cultures, Africa has the dubious distinction of having some of the poorest nations, largest populations, and harshest living conditions in the world.
Despite its trove of natural resources, the yearly incomes of Africans are some of the lowest in the world. Nearly half of its people live on less than a dollar a day. Conflicts, harsh environments, and corrupt governments have devasted economics, forcing countries to borrow for goods and fuel.
Ironically, better health care in recent decades has caused further problems in Africa. The population of the continent is approximately 800 million, and these increasing numbers have endangered the environment and strained already weakened governments.
Africa disproportionately bears the burden of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Although only 11% of the world's population lives in Africa, roughly 67% of those living with HIV/AIDS are in Africa. (1,2) In Africa, there were 22.4 million people living with HIV and 1.9 million new HIV infections in 2008. An estimated 14 million children in Africa have been orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS.